On board MS BREMEN from Belem to Iquitos

A legendary river: the Amazon is not just the world’s longest river; it also brings life to the green heart of South America. Only a small, manoeuvrable expedition ship like the BREMEN and its Zodiacs can travel this deep and this far into such fantastic explorer territory. Enjoy an expedition full of natural wonders and exceptional cultural experiences.

from Belem to Iquitos

Cruise dates:

from 06.04.2018 to 27.04.2018 (21 days)

Your ship:

MS BREMEN

Cruise number:

BRE1806

17 days cruise only from € 8,398 per person incl. travel packages to / from departure / arrival point from € 10,548 per person

In the midst of a mysterious worldThe first explorers called it a “green hell”. Today, the Amazon is considered an earthly paradise. No river is as long, and no rainforest is as diverse and virtually unexplored. In the spirit of adventurers and scientists, this expedition will enable you to explore this pristine, magical world – for example, during breathtaking daytime passage through the Breves Channels. The small BREMEN is in its element in this labyrinth – the diverse shores close enough to touch: banana trees, cashew trees and a host of small settlements of wooden buildings on stilts.

Depending on the weather and currents, the Zodiacs will be lowered to the water again and again on this cruise to take you deep into the winding waterways on numerous rides and landings such as the Rio Pucurui, which is lined with buriti and acai palms. The colours of the toucans, yellow-headed caracaras and saffron finches sparkle in the lush green leaves – and these are just three of over 1,000 species of bird that will catch your eye in the Amazon. But alongside around 3,000 species of fish, the “kings” of the river are the mammals: with a little luck, pink dolphins will make an appearance when you reach Guajara. Is the legend true? Can they really transform into young men to entice away the girls? And how deep into the water must the mighty water buffalo wade to graze on the floating vegetation? Be it mythology or biology, the experts on board will have the answer. Wherever you turn, the jungle surprises with stories and impressions, as Alter do Chao will demonstrate: on the emerald-green Rio Tapajos, you will suddenly find yourself on an almost Caribbean beach. Unsurprisingly, bathing in the Amazon will be enjoyable and relaxing. Tropical surroundings bursting with culturesThe middle point of the world’s largest river is dominated by contrasts between the traditional and the modern. Lush nature on the one hand, vibrant culture on the other. Parintins is a prime example of atmospheric customs. The inhabitants revel in the atmosphere of the “Bumba-meu-boi” dance spectacular with colourful costumes and intoxicating music. Back in the deep green of the jungle, the Zodiacs transport you to curiosities of creation. In Canacari , these are the leaves of the giant water lilies, up to 3 m (10 ft) in diameter, which seamlessly connect with the floating carpet of grass. Be it red bromeliads, pink Gustavia leaves or blue-and-yellow macaws in the treetops, the diversity is there for all to see.

Sun, 15.04.2018 - Mon, 16.04.2018

Manaus

The city of Manaus is filled with very different contrasts. Modern glass facades sit alongside classical and art nouveau buildings on a tour of the city’s history and opera house*. An aerial tour above Manaus* highlights the coexistence of civilisation and nature in breathtaking fashion. The Meeting of the Waters can be seen as an allegory for this, where the “black” Rio Negro joins the clay-yellow Rio Solimoes; the two rivers do not mix immediately, but flow alongside each other for several kilometres.

The beating green heartIn the shallow waters of the upper reaches of the Amazon, you will experience South America’s lifeline close-up. Very few ships can travel these waters – ideal expeditionary territory for the BREMEN. Colourful orchids and brilliant passion flowers highlight the beauty of remote locations, and not just in Lago Ajura. How do the people live in harmony with nature? The answer to this question can be found in Cuxiu Muni, for example: the traditional native community provides fascinating insights into their everyday lives. In the late evening, when the many-voiced choir of cicadas echoes over the river, the Zodiacs will set off into the tropical night. Will you succeed in finding one of the caimans hunting in the dark? During the day, you will have many opportunities to observe monkeys and birds such as the purple-throated flycatcher in the “igapo” forest of the Rio Jutai. In the Zodiacs, you will head into side branches and tributaries to explore the unique ecosystem. While you glide past the brilliant violet leaves of the Cattleya orchid, the cries of Amazonian parrots will provide the soundtrack to your impressions. Your experiences in Panelas will also appear to have sprung from a picture book. Huge jungle trees transform the rays of the sun into a gentle light. This is ideal for sloths, who spend up to 20 hours a day sleeping in the mighty branches. By contrast, the Colombian city of Leticia is active and vibrant: the colourful market life with curious delicacies from the rainforest provides sensory inspiration. Just as astounding are the stilt buildings in the native Peruvian village of Pevas.

You will reach Iquitos with the moving sensation of having grown closer to this paradise world. And even if your expedition is drawing to a close after 4,000 km (2,485 mi.) from the mouth of the Amazon to here, the thrill of the many moments you have experienced will never end.

Thu, 26.04.2018

City tourScheduled flight from Lima to Frankfurt

Fri, 27.04.2018

Arrival in Frankfurt

A change in itinerary may be required on this expedition. The captain will decide on the best possible alternative depending on local conditions.

* The shore activities are not included in the cruise price and are in the planning stage. Subject to change. = at anchor

PRE-CRUISE PROGRAMME A: RIO DE JANEIRO – THE FUN-LOVING CITY

POST-CRUISE PROGRAMME A: MACHU PICCHU – IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE INCAS

A team of experts on board and on the ground

A team of renowned experts will enhance your enjoyment of the cruise. They act as mediators between you and the Amazon people, and help you find your way through the thick foliage of the rainforest. They are all professional speakers and expedition guides, which soon becomes clear when you hear their exciting lectures or join them on excursions.

The Amazon - travel the river of 1,000 wonders

South America’s lifeline remains one of the world’s greatest secrets, with a new adventure around every bend. Take our intensive expeditions to new shores abundant with the wonders of creation. Where the dense jungle offers exotic species a habitat, where the traditional hunting grounds of the American Indians stretch out before you and tropical plants flourish in luxuriant profusion, you, the passionate explorer, are completely in your element.